Unit Lessons

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Some example lessons for this unit will be featured on this page for reference and resource purposes.

Lesson Plan #1 (by Eleni and Zak) follows

For: 9th Grade

A Hero’s Journey: Day 1

Lesson Plan Curriculum Objective
Reading Applications: Literary Text: 9th Grade
5. Interpret universal themes across different works by the same author and different authors.

Writing Applications:9th Grade
6. Produce informal writings (e.g, journals, notes and poems) for various purposes.

Materials Needed
Books: Of Mice and Men Hunger Games, The Lightning Thief, Boys of Steel, Heroes by Ken Mochizuki, Madeline’s Rescue, When I Was a Soldier, Little Brother
Computer/Projector

Instructional Strategies
  • Read-aloud of picture book: 5-10 minutes
  • Have the class do a 5-minute quick-write on “what is a hero?”
  • Think-pair-share for 5-10 minutes
  • Video clips of different types of heroes, journal throughout on the characteristics of the different heroes: 5-10 minutes
  • Book Pass: 15 minutes

Closure (possibly including Assessment and/or Reflection opportunity)
Quick exit-slip on whether their definition of a hero changed.


Lesson #2; Lauren Spector & Chelsea Kerr

Memoir Lesson
Curriculum Objective:
Reading Standards for Informational Text, Craft and Structure, Grade 9-10:
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings;
analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.

Language Standards, Vocabulary Acquisition and Use, Grade 9-10:
5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
b. analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

Resources:
When I Was A Soldier by Zenatti
Computer, Internet access, Projector

Strategies:
  • Introduce the memoir, connection to canonical title
  • Have class write a short list of some of the most important things in/parts of their lives
  • Think-pair-share for 5 minutes, discuss what makes you “you”
  • List at least 10 individual words that they feel express something about them (about 5 min), have one word ready to share with class
  • Discuss importance of synonyms, connotation vs. denotation
  • 6-Word-Memoir video
  • Have class write their 6-Word-Memoir, volunteers to share, share with partner

Closure:
  • Reflect on what students think their 6 Word Memoir revealed about them, is there anything admirable in some of the other memoirs that were shared with the class?